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Im kinda new to aikido and ive never really treated my weapons before ive got some oil but how do i apply ive read that i apply it with hand then rub with cloth is this correct? It just doesnt sound right to me

Before you apply anything to your weapons, make sure it's actually needed. Neither you nor your practice partners need a bokken or jo to go flying out of your hands because you put some oil on it. Get someone who knows what they're doing to look at your weapons and give an opinion. I never apply anything to mine, and I have a bokken that I've been using since about 1992.

- purchase weapons made of Japanese red oak, Japanese white oak, or Appalachian Hickory
- use them properly
- if they develop splinters or cracks, dispose of them and get new ones.

I enjoy slathering lubricant on my hands and stroking a long hard cylinder as much as the next martial artist, but at some point you realize that exotic hardwoods or expert craftsmanship don't improve your practice much.

It really depends on how much you use the weapons. For me the varnished weapons are already slippery. I sand the varnish off and then apply linseed or tong oil with a paper towel and then wipe as much off as I can.

That said, I only do it once. After that if the weapons see constant use the oils from your hands (and the blood of your enemies ) should be enough to keep the weapons in good working order. After years of use, you may get some build up on the wood. If the start to stick in your hands, sand them and start over.